LINKTHEJuly / August 2013

your Aging and Disability Resource Connection

Visit us at legacylink.org

See Myths on page 3

By now most of us know that physical activity is a top contrib-utor to longevity and health in our later years. As baby boomers continue to age, more attention is being paid to understanding the ways that exercise helps reduce the toll of chronic illnesses on se-niors and on the financial health of our long-term care system.

Over the past year, research has shed new light on some common misperceptions we have about exercise. Here are five myths and facts that can help us design our own optimal exercise plan.

Myth #1: Exercise only benefits the body.

Exercise benefits our hearts, muscles and bones, and reduces

the risk of an array of health prob-lems, from diabetes to kidney dis-ease, but many people are unaware that another very important or-gan—the brain—is also damaged by inactivity. You’ve probably read about “brain fitness games” and special computer programs to build up the mind and memory. But exercising muscles is equally important when it comes to brain health. Physical exercise strength-ens connections in the brain and decreases the damaging effects of stress and depression. A recent study by the American Heart As-sociation used brain imagery to demonstrate that exercise lessens the brain damage caused by stroke and diabetes. Another study

from the Radiological Society of North America also used imaging which showed that exercise slows shrinkage of the brain as we age. According to Dr. Cyrus Raji, “Our initial results show brain aging can be alleviated through an ac-tive lifestyle.” Raji also noted that engaging in a variety of activities is very beneficial. Activities that simultaneously engage both mind and body may be especially ben-eficial. Perhaps taking up square dancing is a good choice.

Myth #2: Your age determines your optimum fitness routine.

Gerontologists say that with very few exceptions, older adults benefit from adding more physi-cal activity to their lives. But the

Five Myths About Exercise and Healthy Aging

the Division of Aging services of georgia named ted Borzak “senior Champion of the year” for georgia at their annual awards banquet.

ted was nominated for this award by Apryl Milam from Forsyth County senior services.

the senior Champion is judged by the health and wellness tenets of the live Healthy georgia Campaign.

Borzak who survived a torpedo attack on his ship during World War II is part of the Hearthstone Hikers.

ted and his group of hikers have climbed to the top of several peaks including Brasstown Bald, the highest point in georgia.

He also ran in his first 5K race last year, (The Bolder Dash) and finished fourth in his age division. ted will be celebrating his 90th birthday later this year.

Ted Borzak chosen as Georgia’s Senior Champion.

In This Issue Exercise & AgingPage 1 Ted Borzak, Senior ChampionPage 1 Happy 100th BirthdayPage 3

Wii Bowlers ReportPage 4 RSVP Station of the Year AwardPage 5 Feed the PetsPage 5 SCSEP a “cut” AbovePage 6

LINKTHE July / August 2013PAge 2

by Pat FreemanChief Executive Officer

I absolutely love watermelon! Don’t try to give me cantaloupe or honeydew, just lay out the watermelon.

I grew up on Southwest Missouri in a very small town and my parents owned a grocery store with a feed store & feed mill attached. My father would drive a big truck down into Texas in early July and buy a load of watermelons to sell at the store. That was quite an event we watched with great anticipation when he returned with all those big melons. It was a real thrill to our friends in the neighborhood too as they came to watch the men unload the melons and get them arranged for sale. We had a party every time he returned with the truckload.

Some went directly into the big walk-in coolers and some were stacked out in the outdoor market area for sale at a cheaper price than the chilled ones. But, the best part of the fun for us kids was finding the biggest melon we could because that was the one we could cut and everyone got to share in the taste of the first, juicy watermelon of the summer.

Boy – we kids would weigh every giant one we could get our hands on to find the absolute heaviest one for eat-ing right there on the sidewalk!

Sometimes the men working to unload would carefully “drop” one and see it crack so we would get started on eating it and get out of their way. The “OOPS” would be really loud and we all knew what that meant. Time to eat.

I remember feeling really grown up when I learned to “plug” a melon for a customer so they could see if it

was the right shade of red and that person would eat the little triangle plug as a taste test. Ever see any merchant plug a melon now for a customer?

This photo is of my brother and me with some prize watermelons in front of a sign at the market. I suspect this photo was taken in the mid-1940’s. I told my brother recently that his jeans were ahead of the times since now people pay extra for holes at the knees. He was in style way before his time when times and fun were simpler.

Have a good summer and remember to eat lots of watermelon. I plan to do just that.

Upcoming Events

Outreach for Seniors

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.Aug. 1, 2013

Habersham Co. senior Center217 scoggins Dr. Demorest, ga.

30535

Senior Outreach8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Aug. 6, 2013saint luke the evangelist

Catholic Church75 N. Park St. Dahlonega, Ga.

30533

Mall Walkers Meeting9 a.m. Aug. 6, 2013

lakeshore Mallnear the Fountain

150 Pearl Nix ParkwayGainesville, Ga. 30501

Outreach for Seniors10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Aug. 6, 2013Forsyth Co. senior Center

Cumming, ga. 30040

Outreach for Seniors1:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m.

Aug. 8, 2013Branan lodge, 493 Wesley Mtn. Dr.

Blairsville, Ga. 30512

Outreach for Seniors10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

thursday, Aug. 8, 2013union Co. senior Center

95 Senior Center Dr.

Outreach for Seniors10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Aug. 13, 2013Windcliff Apts. 150 Gabriel Dr.

Gainesville, Ga. 30501

See Events on page 7

Melons & Memories

From the Boardroom

Joe Hirsch has been a board mem-ber since 2000. Hirsch’s past ex-perience has been in the insurance industry. He has been the Southeast Regional Manager for Great American Insurance Compa-

ny. Additional experience has includ-ed Corporate Risk Manager, Special Agent and Underwriting Manager.

He is a member of the Personnel, Audit, Insurance and Nominating Committees for Legacy Link.

John MorrisBoard President

Joe HirschBoard V.P.

Legacy Link is pleased to announce John Morris as the new board President and Joe Hirsch as Vice President.

John Morris has been a board member since 2010. Prior to his retire-ment and move to Gainesville from Florida in 2006 he was the Director for Special Investiga-tions for Blue Cross Blue Shield. Past positions included State Prosecutor and Director of the Florida Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

Morris is a member of several com-mittees both for Legacy Link and or-ganizations in the Hall county area.

Maurice and Patti unloading watermelons at the Groutte Market

LINKTHE PAge 3July / August 2013

Mythsappropriate type and intensity of exercise varies from individual to individual—more than when we were younger. Some of us are fortunate enough to have a combination of genes, lifestyle history and luck that allow us to continue an exercise pro-gram that matches the activities of our younger years. For oth-ers, a modified, low-intensity work-out is recommended. As we grow older, it’s more impor-

tant than ever to discuss our ex-ercise plan with our healthcare provider to be sure all activities are safe and beneficial. The Amer-ican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends that no matter what the intensity level of a person’s workout, it should in-clude aerobic, strengthening and flexibility components. Bicycling, dancing, walking the dog, , chair exercises and even playing active video games (such as the Wii) all provide a good workout.

Myth #3: Running is better ex-ercise than walking.

For weight loss, running has been found to be more effective than walking, but losing weight is not the only reason we need to be physically active. Last month in its journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biol-

ogy, the AHA reported that mod-erately paced walking is effective in reducing blood pressure, cho-lesterol levels and the risk of dia-betes and heart disease. Research-ers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California examined data from the National Runners’ Health Study, which collected information on 33,000 runners and 16,000 walkers over the course of six years. The study compared the benefits by the dis-tance people covered, not by the amount of time the workout took, and found that whether people walk or run, they gain similar health benefits over the same dis-tance. Principal author Dr. Paul T. Williams said, “The more the run-ners ran and the more the walkers walked, the better off they were. If the amount of energy expended was the same between the two groups, then the health benefits were comparable.”

Myth #4: Exercise must be scheduled and structured.

Sporadic, occasional activities like a hike every couple of weeks don’t provide the same benefit as regular, frequent exercise. How-ever, recent research suggests that your daily exercise goals need not be achieved during a single time period, nor do you need a strict

routine. Oregon State University researchers recently reported that small amounts of activity—even as small as one and two minute increments that add up to 30 min-utes per day—can be as beneficial as longer bouts of activity . OSU professor Brad Cardinal says, “We are designed by nature as beings who are supposed to move. In our society, you will always be presented with things that entice you to sit or be less active because of technology, like using a leaf blower instead of a rake. Mak-ing physical activity a way of life is more cost-effective than an ex-pensive gym membership. You may be more likely to stick with it, and over the long term, you’ll be healthier, more mobile and just feel better all around.” Study lead author Paul Loprinzi added, “Seek out opportunities to be active when the choice is available. For example, rather than sitting while talking on the phone, use this op-portunity to get in some activity by pacing around.”

Myth #5: Baby boomers are the most physically fit generation ever.

Baby boomers, Americans born between 1946 and 1964, have a reputation as being very fitness-conscious. Contrary to this im-

age, research suggests that Boom-ers are actually in worse health than their parents. In the March issue of the Journal of the Ameri-can Medical Association, West Virginia University research-ers reported that Boomers have a higher rate of poor health and disabilities than did their parents’ generation. The Centers for Dis-ease Control and Prevention even predict a decline in life expectan-cy as obesity leads to an increased rate of hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and chronic dis-ease. What is responsible for this startling trend? Only 18 percent of Boomers get the recommended daily amount of exercise.

We now know that people who exercise regularly experience a decline in health when they spend the rest of the day sitting. Our bodies did not evolve to spend hour upon hour in a chair, yet to-day’s culture finds many of us at a desk for eight hours or more, emailing our office mates rather than walking down the hall. De-spite their image of active senior living, Boomers shouldn’t rest on their laurels—or in their re-cliners. Follow a regular exercise program and be sure to engage in regular small amounts of activity throughout the day.

Continued from page 1

100 Years in the MakingOnly an estimated two people

in 10,000 join the elite group of Centenarian in the United States.

Legacy Link would like to congratulate two women in our area that recently turned 100 years old.

Lucy Aparo of Towns County

and Zennie Weaver of Lumpkin County.

Aparo celebrated her 100th birthday on June 25, 2013. She was surrounded by many friends at the Towns County Senior Center for her special celebration of life. She keeps a very busy schedule. Her activi-

ties include daily games at the senior center to weekly wor-ship with her church family.

Zennie Weaver goes to church every Sunday at Tick-netley Primitive Baptist Church. She had a large family of 8 children, six sons and two daughters.

Reaching a MilestoneLucy Aparo celebrated her 100th at the Towns County Senior Center.

Maurice and Patti unloading watermelons at the Groutte Market

LINKTHE July / August 2013PAge 4

National Senior Wii Bowling Leagues

Older adults across the nation are taking part in National Senior League (NSL) Wii Bowling. The NSL organizes 7-week tournaments throughout the year. Adults from across the United States compete with each other from their communities via the internet in Wii Bowl-ing championships. Money raised by the NSL goes to fund Alzheimer’s Research. Participants are asked to donate $5 to the cause of finding a cure for dementia.

The Regional Championships begin in mid-February and end in mid-April.

Several teams competed in this tournament from local senior cen-ters. Four teams came in with top rankings in the competition among their divisions. The Lucky Strikes won their region (story below.) The

Dawson Rollers, Hot n’ Rolling n’ Hiawassee, and Habersham 10 Pins all finished with high rankings among their divisions. Congratulations to all the teams who participated!

Ralph “Bug” Jones, Dawson County, states he has bowled many per-fect games of 300 points even reaching 53 strikes in a row. One mem-ber on the Towns County league continues to par-ticipate in Wii Bowling at 100-years of age.

All team members speak candidly about their experiences on the bowling leagues. It is obvious Wii bowling is more than gaming. It lends an arena to build friendships, establish connections and build teams while getting ex-ercise and improving muscle strength for better balance.

The next National Championship begins mid-August. Check with your local county senior center or visit nslgames.com for more details on joining a Wii Bowling League and don’t miss out on all the fun!

Towns County Hot n’ Rolling n’ Hiawassee Pictured are, back row from left, Annette Adams, Margaret Coffey, Murlene Bradley, Par Horton, Eugene Hedrick; front row, Gladys Stevens, Annette Hedrick; not pictured, Mike Horton and Lucy Aparo.

Lucky Strikes Pictured, from left, Lisa Howard, Wellness Coordinator/Legacy Link; Members include Dorthy Hughes, John Conkle and Dot Patterson; not pictured, Mary Green.

Dawson Rollers Pictured are, from left, Buol Le, Rachel Padgett, Ralph (Bug) Jones.

Habersham 10 Pins Pictured are, from left, Shirley Umberhandt, Tom Oliver and Pat Rogers.

The 2013 NSL Regional Championships included 280 teams, 1,540 bowlers from 31 states and 110 communities.

The Lucky Strikes played in the Elite Division and fin-ished 6-0-1 (the tie is a split which went in their favor), making them the Conference

Champs.With that distinction, they

advanced to the Playoffs, three rounds with single-game elimination. The Lucky Strikes won all three of their games to earn the distinction of Region Champions!

Union County Senior Center Lucky Strikes win tournament

LINKTHE PAGe 5July / August 2013

National Senior Wii Bowling Leagues RSVP VOLUNTEER ViEWRetired & Senior Volunteer Program

A first-time national study conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) found that those who were out of work and got involved with volunteer op-portunities increased their like-lihood of finding a job. Using 10 years of Census Bureau data, CNCS analyzed persons ages 16 and older who were looking for work and examined their vol-unteer and employment status over a 2 year period.

Key Findings: .Volunteers have a 27% high-

er likelihood of finding a job af-ter being out of work than non-volunteers

.Volunteers without a high school diploma have a 51% higher likelihood of finding employment

.Volunteers living in rural areas have a 55% higher likeli-hood of finding employment

Volunteering makes a posi-tive impression, and that can make a big difference in a com-petitive job market. It can be especially helpful for people with limited skills or connec-tions, and help level the playing field. CNCS also found that vol-unteering is associated with an increased likelihood of finding employment for all volunteers regardless of a person’s gender, age, ethnicity, geographical area, or the job market condi-tions. “Volunteering as a Path-way to Employment” – CNCS 2013

CNCS study finds that volunteers are more likely to find jobs

Feed the pets in addition to their owners in Habersham

Don Panetta with a sample of the pet food that is sent out.

“Pets greet their human com-panions enthusiastically on the worst days; they do not notice bad hair; they forgive mistakes; and they do not need to talk things through” (Walsh, F, 2009, p. 471). Pet relationships are sometimes even better than human relation-ships to reduce the effects of stress in our lives. Relationships with pets have been proven by many scien-tific research studies to have great health benefits, including, lower-ing blood pressure/cholesterol and positive psychological effects. Just petting an animal has been proven to lower blood pressure! Many people love their pets and have closer bonds with them than they

do their family or friends. This is especially true in individuals who are homebound or have limited ac-cess outside of their home, includ-ing a large group of older adults and individuals with disabilities. Many who live on fixed incomes and often make difficult choices to keep their pets.

The Habersham County Senior Center, Meals on Wheels Associa-tion of America (MOWAA) mem-ber, noticed the need among indi-viduals in the program and began seeking a way to address the need in their community. For six years, the center has partnered with Ban-field Charitable Trust (www.ban-fieldcharitabletrust.org) to provide

See Feed the Pets on page 7

Meet a Volunteer!Rita Miller (right, accepting a Station of the Year award) was formerly on staff at the Union County Nursing Home and has been the RSVP coordinator for the Union County Nursing Home and the Union General Hospital Auxiliary for the past several years. After retiring from her staff position last year, Rita has graciously accepted the responsibility of continuing her role as the RSVP coordinator as a volunteer. Thanks go out to her for her continued support and to all the dedicated volunteers at these RSVP stations!

If you have a special RSVP volunteer you would like to have highlighted let us know by contacting the RSVP office.

LINKTHE July / August 2013PAge 6

Cosmetology Benefits for SCSEP Participants

Rebecca Pursley of the Georgia Institute of Cosmetology gives Randall Duncan his haircut.

Gwen Kelly, formerly a Cosmetology instruc-tor and currently the MIS Supervisor for the Senior Community Service Em-ployment Program (SC-SEP), has arranged for an agreement between two local Hall County Cos-metology Schools, the Georgia Institute of Cos-metology and Lanier Tech, to provide hair cutting services to our participants free of charge. Please view the photograph of our participant, Randall D., receiving this service at the Georgia Institute of Cosmetology.

This is yet another service provided to our community to prepare SCSEP participants as “job ready” for the interviewing process. We are currently seeking other Salons and Barber Shops to provide this service to our par-ticipants. Should anyone have a contact with other hair styling businesses who may be interested in providing this service, please call Gwen Kelly at (770) 538-2657. The SCSEP Program serves twenty-three counties in Geor-gia. It is our goal to assist participants in obtaining employment through this training program. Services such as this are much appreciated and help facilitate the trainees in their job searches.

The 6th annual National Falls Prevention Awareness Day will be observed the first day of fall, September 22, 2013, to promote and increase public awareness about how to prevent and reduce falls among older adults. Did you know?

• 1 in 3 adults aged 65 and older fall every year.• Falls are the leading cause of injury death and hospitaliza-

tion for older adults.• Falls threaten independence and quality of life.• Falling is not an inevitable part of aging.• Falls can be prevented.

You CAN reduce your risk of falling!• Begin a regular exercise program. Check with your doctor

first if you haven’t exercised in a while.

• Have your health care provider or pharmacist review your medicines, supplements and discuss your alcohol use.

• Have your vision checked. Multifocal or bifocal lenses can increase your risk of falling.

• Make your home safer. Clutter, poor lighting, & throw rugs can all increase your fall risk.

• grab bars can help in your bathroom.Do YOU have concerns about falling?

Preventing Falls—One Step at Time

This 8-week program emphasizes practical

strategies to manage falls.

Contact Lisa Howard, Wellness Program Coordinator at Legacy Link about an upcoming workshop in your area:

770-538-2650 or Lshoward@legacylink.org.

LINKTHE PAge 7July / August 2013

pet food to meal recipients also in need of food for their beloved furry family members. The as-sistance is much more than food. It prevents vulnerable in-dividuals from having to choose between caring for themselves or their companion animal. The partnership with Banfield Charitable Trust allows meal recipients to maintain pet own-

ership, helping them meet basic needs, while promoting bonds between the person and animal.

The ultimate goal of the program is to ensure no loved and wanted pet ends up in a shelter. Partnerships similar to the one with Habersham County Senior Center have the goal of treating the root cause of pet surrender by providing

resources to save a proposed 1.5 million pet-owner relationships by 2016. Congratulations to Habersham County Senior Center for another year of the “Belly-up” program! Your hard work and determination “to meet the need where it is at” is honorable and works to improve the lives of others.

Continued from page 5

MEDICARE 2014 OPEN ENROLLMENT

2014 ANNUAL OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR

MEDICARE PART D PLANS AND

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS IS

OCTOBER 15—DECEMBER 7 (Plans are effective January, 2014)

For free, unbiased, objective plan comparisons, call

Call Legacy Link and ask for —

GeorgiaCares 770-538-2650

Just for Laughs

Feed the pets

THe LiNK

Published by legacy link

editor Don Colombero dfcolombero@legacylink.org

Assistant editorsLeah Norton & Joan Knight

to subscribe contact:legacy link

150 Pearl Nix ParkwayGainesville, GA 30501

Outreach for Seniors10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Aug. 15, 2013Dawson Co. senior Center

201 Recreation Rd. Dawsonville, Ga.30534

Senior Outreach8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Aug. 20, 2013First Baptist Church of

Cleveland25 Church St. Cleveland, Ga.

30528

Outreach for Seniors10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Aug. 20, 2013Franklin Co. senior Center6885 Hwy. 145, Carnesville,

Ga.30521

Outreach for Seniors10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Aug. 29, 2013Hart Co. senior Center

139 Clay st. Hartwell, ga. 30643

EventsContinued from page 2

As a senior citizen was driving down the Atlanta freeway, his car phone rang.Answering, he heard his wife’s voice urgently warning him,“Herman, I just heard on the news that there’s a car going the wrong way on 285. Please be careful.” “Heck,” said Herman, “It’s not just one car. It’s hundreds of them!”

A 104 year-old woman was being interviewed by a reporter.“And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?” the reporter asked.“No peer pressure.” she responded.

seniorresource.com

LEGACY LINKArea Agency on Aging

508 Oak Street, Ste 1, Gainesville, GA 30501

NoN ProFiT orG.U.S. PoSTAGe PAiDGAiNeSviLLe, GAPermiT No. 82

Resource GuideHome Based ServicesGateway to Aging Services: Legacy Link’s toll free number (855-266-4283) accesses the Gateway to Aging Services. Trained intake specialists provide confiden-tial access to information, assistance and referral concerning services for seniors, family members and persons with disabilities. Callers are assisted in locating resourc-es and services in the regions, in georgia and across the united states.

Community Care Services Program: (CCSP) serves low-income, frail per-sons of all ages in the 13 county service region. the program assists people who are elderly and/or functionally impaired to continue living in their homes and communi-ties by offering personal support services, such as, adult day health, caregiver support, respite care, home delivered meals, emergency response systems, and basic personal care. the individual or family members along with the CCsP nurse and care coor-dinator will develop a care plan to prolong independence and avoid nursing home placement. (855-266-4283).

Source Program: serves individuals who meet nursing home level of care and are ssI Medicaid recipients. Personal support services are arranged with the individ-ual, physician and care management team to reduce emergency room visits, hospital-izations and improve quality of life while living in the community. In addition to the 13 county service region, source is also offered by legacy link in Barrow, Cherokee, Clarke, elbert, gwinnett, Jackson and Madison counties. (855-266-4283).

Alzheimer’s Care Consultation Program: A free, telephone-based information and support service for adults with memory impairment, including Alzheimer’s and demention, and friends or family who care for them. Care Consulta-tion provides, particularly to caregivers, ongoing help to find practical solutions to concerns about health and care as well as coaching and support. Clients do not have to be enrolled in any other legacy link program to be eligible to participate in Care Consultations. (855-266-4283).

Employment and EducationEmployment and Training for Mature Workers (SCSEP): Persons aged 55+ on the Senior Community Service and employment Program are placed in part-time positions in public and non-profit agencies for training to enable them to enter the workforce. Funded by the National Council, assistance is provided to residents of 23 North Georgia counties. (770-538-2650)

Community Based ServicesWellness Programs: Addresses social, emotional, physical, mental, and intellec-tual well-being of adults 60 years or older, including but not limited to: nutrition and health education, fitness and physical activity, health screenings, art classes, computer classes, and other educational opportunities. For more information about what is available in your area, contact your local senior centers. (770-538-2650)

Kinship Care Program: Provides information for grandparents and other relatives raising children. Services offered include: • resource information • Social activities • Celebrations • Community education • Help is available to deal with many issues of being a caregiver. (770-538-2650)

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program: RsVP, a national senior Corps program, matches adults age 55+ with volunteer service opportunities at public and non-profit agencies in 10 counties. Funding is provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), a federal agency. 770-538-2650 www.nationalservice.gov

Legal and AdvocacyLong-Term Care Ombudsman: ombudsman staff provides advocacy services to nursing home and personal care home residents and family members in 13 coun-ties. (770-538-2685). Georgia Legal Services: for assistance and counsel-ing for persons aged 60 and above. (770-535-5717).

Medicare CounselingGeorgia Cares Program: Medicare Counseling - staff and trained volun-teers make presentations to groups and counsel individual beneficiaries and assist in enrollment in all Medicare Programs. eligibility screenings and assistance are provid-ed for those qualifying for help paying medicare and other health benefit programs. (866-552-4464) once connected push 4. You can also stop by the Legacy Shoppe and make an appointment.